The Importance of Community For Seniors
Letters, phone calls, and personal visits to the home were once the primary ways people connected with their elderly loved ones. These days, digital tools make it convenient and easy to converse with an aging parent or grandparent—even if they live across the country.
Connecting with seniors is critical to preventing the health implications that result from loneliness and social isolation. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that loneliness and social isolation in the elderly are public health risks since they increase the risk for dementia and serious medical conditions.
Seniors are at an increased risk for loneliness or social isolation because they are more likely to face certain factors that come with age: the passing of a spouse, loved ones, and friends; living alone; chronic illnesses, like dementia or diabetes; and, physical impairments, such as hearing loss or immobility.
Experiencing chronic loneliness and isolation can result in health consequences. Loneliness increases seniors’ risk for premature death. Dementia increases by 50 percent in socially isolated older adults. A lack of social ties is linked with a higher chance for stroke or heart disease.
Emotional problems can result when aging loved ones feel lonely on a regular basis. These seniors experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Heart failure patients suffer when loneliness hits, as the condition is associated with an increased risk of death, hospitalization, and ER visits.
The solution to loneliness and isolation in seniors is to give them regular opportunities to connect with friends and family. However, due to cognitive or physical impairments, getting around town or traveling safely can be major obstacles to in-person visits with loved ones.
Using The Current Digital Tools Available:
Today’s digital tools are the answer. Older adults can utilize devices specifically manufactured for those with vision or hearing loss, for example. Safe, private online networks are available specially for the aging population. Tech tools are numerous and keep seniors well connected.
Mobile Devices
Tablets are popular devices and come in senior-friendly designs. Larger-than-average buttons, for instance, make it easier for older adults to see and use them. Simplified interfaces allow technically challenged seniors to easily send messages, make phone calls, and share photos with family.
Senior-friendly smartphones and flip phones are designed with this age group in mind. Featuring large icons and a touchscreen, these gadgets give seniors an opportunity to phone, text, or video chat. A built-in urgent response button allows them to connect with emergency responders during crises.
Home Technology
Home devices, like those featuring touch-free technology, are designed to accept voice commands. Older adults can use their voice to instruct the device, such as Amazon Echo, to make calls to friends or family who have the Echo or Alexa app.
Even seniors suffering from dementia stand to benefit from home technology. Caregivers and elderly care recipients can search for entertainment, from songs to audiobooks and podcasts, using their voice. Home devices help keep dementia patients engaged with others or serve as a quick diversion.
Facebook Portal is another home device that shares photos and videos via its 10-inch screen. Adult children send their elderly parents recent photos of the grandkids and provide them with updates about their lives. Seniors protect their privacy by turning off the mic and camera when not on a call.
Virtual Communities
Virtual communities built especially for older adults may be more comfortable to them. The web-based learning community, Virtual Senior Center, for example, connects seniors with others in the same age group. They interact via video chat and learn new skills through interactive online courses.
Seniors can also make new friends by joining Silver Sneakers. Offering online group exercise classes, Silver Sneakers gives older adults a chance to socially connect with others who are also interested in participating in online physical workouts intended for aging bodies.
Story-Sharing Technology
Sharing stories has long been a way for older and younger generations to connect. Today, digital tools keep up the tradition, sparking meaningful dialogue and deepening bonds between the elderly and youth. Stories can be recorded and shared on video on platforms, like Megilla.
Things To Think About Before Choosing Assistive Technology
Before introducing any of the abovementioned digital tools into a senior’s life, consider their limitations. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to help elderly loved ones acclimate to digital tools smoothly, such as by scheduling check-ins and keeping technology simple.
Caregivers can help an aging adult log onto Silver Sneakers twice a week. Not only does the senior benefit from the physical workouts, but the group classes give him an activity to look forward to. Provide the senior with a stand for a hand-held device to prevent arm fatigue.
Also choose simple devices to avoid overwhelming the senior using them. An elderly individual will have little use for a smartphone if the buttons are too small to read. Equally important is ensuring the senior has access to tech support from caregivers, friends, or family to help troubleshoot problems.
In Home Caregivers
Ensuring seniors stay connected with loved ones can be readily accomplished in today’s digital world. When families are too busy with their own households to provide in-home care to an aging loved one, Assisting Hands Home Care is prepared to step in and lend dependable support.
As a reputable home care agency with teams of compassionate caregivers, we provide your elderly loved one with quality care in the comfort of home. Our care services include assistance with personal hygiene tasks, transportation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, and meal preparation.
We support all the non-medical care needs of seniors. As companions, our caregivers nourish the emotional health of aging adults. Caregivers build relationships with seniors as well as help them use technology to connect with their family and friends living miles away.
Seniors living in Palos Heights, Illinois, benefit each day from the comprehensive in-home care services provided by Assisting Hands Home Care. When your loved one needs elder care, contact us to schedule an in-home consultation and evaluate care needs. Call today for the best in local senior care.
